RHODOMYRTUS TOMENTOSA: A PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACTRhodomyrtus tomentosa is a common wood, prevalent in areas with undemanding soil conditions and resistant toward pests and diseases. The plantcan be found in China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Literature and artwork indicate that R. tomentosa played an importantholistic role in the daily lives of several ancient cultures, providing medicinal benefits. R. tomentosa exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacologicaleffects and has been used to treat colic diarrhea, wounds, heartburn, abscesses, gynecopathy, and as a pain killer. R. tomentosa was used in traditionalChinese medicine to treat urinary tract infection. 42 compounds have been isolated from this plant and structurally elucidated. They comprisephloroglucinol, flavonoid, terpenoid, anthracene glycoside, tannin, and other compounds. Rhodomyrtone, a member of the acylphloroglucinolsdemonstrated a significant activity against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria. Rhodomyrtone exhibited both antimicrobial and anti-infectiveactivities. Several biological activities have been documented as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, osteogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.R. tomentosa has been studied extensively for alternative antimicrobial agents. Although rhodomyrtone exhibited potential activity with a very lowminimum inhibitory concentration value, the mechanisms of action of this compound are still unclear. Furthermore, toxicity studies on it extract tovalidate pharmacological activities are required.Keywords: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Kemunting, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Biological activities, Chemical constituents.